The emu and the ostrich are often confused because they are both large flightless birds. But there are several key differences between these two interesting animals.
For starters emus are native to Australia while ostriches are native to Africa. Emus are also slightly smaller than ostriches with males reaching a height of about 6 feet (1.8 meters) and females reaching a height of about 5 feet (1.5 meters). Ostriches on the other hand can grow up to 9 feet (2.7 meters) tall.
Emus have long necks and legs but their necks are shorter than those of ostriches. Emus also have small heads with long curved beaks while ostriches have large heads with short straight beaks.
Interestingly the feathers of emus are soft and fluffy while the feathers of ostriches are stiff and sharp. And while both birds can run very fast ostriches can reach speeds of up to 40 miles (64 kilometers) per hour making them the fastest two-legged animals on the planet!
So while emus and ostriches may look similar there are definitely some key differences between these two amazing birds.
What is the scientific name for an emu?
The scientific name for an emu is Dromaius novaehollandiae.
What is the scientific name for an ostrich?
The scientific name for an ostrich is Struthio camelus.
What are the differences between an emu and an ostrich?
Emus and ostriches are different species of bird.
Emus are native to Australia while ostriches are native to Africa.
Emus are slightly smaller than ostriches and have differently shaped beaks.
Emus cannot fly while ostriches can.
How do emus and ostriches compare in size?
Emus are slightly smaller than ostriches.
An average emu is about 5 feet tall while an average ostrich is about 6.
5 to 7.
5 feet tall.
What is the habitat of an emu?
The habitat of an emu is generally open country with some trees or scrub for shelter.
They can be found in forests woodlands grasslands and desert.
What is the habitat of an ostrich?
The habitat of an ostrich is open country where they can find food and water.
This can include grasslands savannas woodlands and deserts.
What do emus eat?
Emus are mostly herbivorous eating plants seeds fruits and insects.
What do ostriches eat?
Ostriches are mostly herbivorous eating plants seeds fruits and insects.
How long do emus live?
The average lifespan of an emu is 10 to 20 years.
How long do ostriches live?
The average lifespan of an ostrich is 30 to 40 years.
Can emus fly?
No emus cannot fly.
Can ostriches fly?
No ostriches cannot fly.
Do emus and ostriches lay eggs?
Yes both emus and ostriches lay eggs.
A female emu can lay up to 20 eggs in a season while a female ostrich can lay up to 30 eggs in a season.
How many chicks do emus and ostriches typically have?
Emus and ostriches typically have between 2 and 8 chicks.
What is the average weight of an emu egg?
The average weight of an emu egg is about 1.
5 pounds.
